Plug-in hybrid Volvo S60 T8 launched
The Volvo S60 saloon's line-up has expanded with the addition of a new PHEV powertrain and additional trim levels
Volvo has broadened the S60 range, adding its T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid powertrain and a pair of new trim levels, badged “R-Design Plus” and “Inscription Plus.” Prices for the S60 T8 start from £49,805, while the two new trim levels are respectively priced from £37,935 and £38,835.
As in other Volvo T8 models, the S60 PHEV powertrain comprises a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, an electric motor and an 11.8kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Total system output stands at 385bhp and 400Nm of torque; enough for a claimed 0–62mph time of 4.6 seconds.
The hybrid system sends power to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox, with the electric motor supplying drive to the rear wheels. Economy and emissions figures for the S60 PHEV are a claimed 176.5mpg and 39g/km of CO2 respectively. Volvo also says that the S60 T8 can cover around 30 miles on electric power alone.
Elsewhere in the range, Volvo’s turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine remains available for the S60. It produces 247bhp and 350Nm of torque, which is sent to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox, providing a 0–62mph time of 6.5 seconds. Like all new Volvos, the S60’s top speed will be electronically limited to 112mph from 2020, regardless of engine choice.
The conventional T5 powertrain can be specced with both Volvo’s sporty R-Design Plus trim level or the more comfort-focussed Inscription Plus trim level. The T8 PHEV can only be had with the former option.
Standard equipment for the S60 includes adaptive LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors, two-zone climate control, heated front seats, an automatically opening boot lid, satellite navigation and a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
R-Design Plus models feature stiffer springs, uprated dampers, thicker anti-roll bars, a set of 18-, 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels, a mildly tweaked sports-inspired body kit and a pair of larger exhaust tips. T5-engined variants get a 12mm drop in ride height, while T8-engined S60s receive a set of adaptive dampers and Volvo’s dynamic chassis control system.
Inside, the S60 R-Design Plus gets a head-up display, a leather sports steering wheel, metal mesh trim and a pair of heavily bolstered sports seats, trimmed in a mixture of Nappa leather and cloth.
Additions for the Volvo S60 Inscription Plus are mutually exclusive to the R-Design Plus variant. Upgrades over the car’s standard specification include a unique set of alloy wheels, full Nappa leather upholstery, cooled front seats, Driftwood interior trim, chrome exterior trim and an electrically adjustable passenger seat with memory setting.
As an option, buyers can spec a £1,400 exterior styling pack, which adds a more aggressive splitter, wider side skirts and a larger rear diffuser. Other optional extras include a premium Bowers and Wilkins surround sound system (for £1,675), a panoramic glass sunroof (priced at £1,200) and a sump-guard (costing £615).
Volvo is also planning a tuned Polestar Engineered S60, with larger brakes, uprated suspension, lightweight alloy wheels and a redesigned exterior. It will be powered by a revised version of the firm’s twin-charged 400bhp T8 hybrid powertrain, providing a 0–62mph sprint of 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 155mph. Further details will be announced shortly.
Now read our review of the Volvo S60 T8 Polestar Engineered...
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